Detroit’s Most Mouth-Watering Appetizers
Story by Michelle Martin, Video by Angelina Czarnecki
Whether it’s for happy hour or an evening out, here are seven Detroit restaurants that are a must-try for appetizers.
Standby
Fried – yes, fried – deviled eggs and a grilled French onion (grilled gruyere, French onion juice and collards) are featured on the menu at this downtown eatery. The small but mighty menu also includes coconut calamari, made with coconut milk, pineapple marmalade and fermented chili; soft pretzels with jalapeno cheese sauce; and Thai pork skewers, marinaded with peanut sauce, fried shallot and chili oil.
Vertical Detroit
Charcuterie is a must-do at this Harmony Park restaurant, renowned for its appetizers. Other starters include fried plantains accompanied by black bean puree, pikliz (Haitian pickled vegetable relish) and habanero hot sauce; smoked trout toast, topped with radish, pickled onions, mustard seeds and dill; and mussels, served with tomato, fennel sausage and grilled bread.
Leila
Sunday lunches in Lebanon are a time to get together with family and friends and enjoy some of the best Lebanese cuisine – including appetizers. Leila in downtown Detroit carries on that tradition by serving some of the city’s best appetizers. Try the eggplant fettah, which brings together chickpeas, lamb confit, yogurt sauce and pomegranate; sujek, made with spicy Armenian sausage; or hummus and hashwi, with ground lamb, seven spices and pine nuts.
Oak & Reel
Named the 2022 restaurant of the year by “HOUR Detroit,” this contemporary Italian eatery offers a small, but inventive list of appetizers that are inspired by the uniqueness of Detroit. Try the octopus, with stracciatella, radicchio, grilled grapes and gremolata; beef tartare, hand cut and accompanied by croutons, parmigiano and anchovy vinaigrette; and crostini, topped with grilled spring onions, pesto ricotta and prosciutto.
BESA Detroit
Located on Woodward in the heart of downtown, BESA Detroit is the perfect gathering spot for happy hour appetizers. A few to try: the seared manouri cheese with fresh figs, onion marmalade, mustard seed and thyme; zucchini fritters, served with coriander yogurt, frisee and almonds; and roasted eggplant toast with roasted peppers, gjize and herbs.
Seva
When it comes to having vegan appetizers, Detroiters flock to Seva, located in Midtown. Favorite appetizers include the spinach dip served with house-made corn chips; shishito peppers, finished with lemon and sea salt; and General Tso’s cauliflower, lightly tempura-battered and tossed in a sweet and sour chili sauce.
